RIP Grumpy Cat — The Internet’s Most Famous Cat Has Died

The blue-eyed cat, whose permanent scowl won over everyone's heart and brought smiles to millions of people around the world after becoming one of the most well-known memes on social media, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (May 14) at home in her mother Tabatha's arms. She was 7 years old.

Despite her doctor's best efforts to save her, Grumpy, whose real name was Tardar Sauce, died after suffering complications from a recent urinary tract infection that became "too tough for her to overcome," according to an official statement released by her family on Friday morning (May 17).

"We are unimaginably heartbroken to announce the loss of our beloved Grumpy Cat," the owners wrote. “Besides being our baby and a cherished member of the family, Grumpy Cat has helped millions of people smile all around the world—even when times were tough. Her spirit will continue to live on through her fans everywhere."

The feline first rose to fame in 2012 after her owner posted a photo of her looking very miserable on Reddit. The post quickly went viral and became an internet meme that's still popular to this day. She even got her very own book deal, a video game, and a Lifetime movie called Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever.